MEMBERS of the Hospital Street Association have voiced concerns over a new zebra crossing which was unveiled in Nantwich this week.

Despite having campaigned for several years for better safety measures where Hospital Street meets Pratchitt’s Row, the group is anxious that a zebra crossing will not be as effective as a pelican crossing.

The deaths of two pensioners – Derrick and Evelyn Jones – who were crushed by a lorry as they were shopping in Hospital Street triggered calls for better safety eight years ago.

And although welcoming the action by Cheshire East Council to install a crossing, residents believe more should be done.

Spokesman Chris Barratt said: “We are concerned that because of the siting of the crossing that people using it will still be quite vulnerable to traffic coming round the corner from Hospital Street to Pratchitt’s Row.

“There is a lot of vegetation on the corner of Pratchitt’s Row which restricts the view of those coming from Hospital Street.

“With a zebra crossing, people have to wait for cars to stop so they can cross. You see cars driving straight over the one around the corner outside Aldi and there is full visibility there so are they likely to stop at this new crossing with a restricted view?”

Business owners and councillors have welcomed the crossing. Weaver House practice manager Andrew Antoniou said: “I am over the moon that the crossing is now being laid. We have around 20,000 people on our database and it is a nightmare for them crossing Hospital Street, cars just don’t stop for them.”

Cllr Arthur Moran added: “I welcome it because it is a difficult road to cross. I have been assured by the engineers that there will be adequate signage on Hospital Street to ensure motorists will be aware that a crossing is coming up.”